| January 14, 2001 |
| Isaiah 62:1-5 + 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 + John 2:1-11 |
| If we take a step back into the Old Testament reading today, we can take two steps forward much deeper into the Gospel reading for this weekend. I believe that there is away of looking at the scriptures that should allow us to think of them and read them as love letters – messages from a devoted, loving God for human people who are loved, and chosen, and longed for just like any lovers who express their tenderness, their passion, and their fidelity. That, I believe, is what we have here. |
| In many of the world’s cultures, the marriage of two people results in a change of name. It is a change that signifies, in a public way, a change in their status as the two become one. In the ancient world out of which comes Isaiah, name changes served a similar purpose. The name was more than just a way to tell people apart. It expressed the uniqueness of the individual. A change in personal name indicated a change in the person and/or their direction and purpose in life. The scriptures are full of those changes reflected in names: Abram became Abraham, Simon became Peter, just to point to a couple of those occasions. |
| Isaiah is writing at the end of a very turbulent time, speaking words of hope to a dejected and disheartened people. Political changes have given then a new lease on life and signaled a new beginning and a reconciliation with the God to whom they were wedded. Their oppressors had mocked them with names like: “Forsaken” and “Desolate”; and Isaiah suggests that they now have new names like: “My delight” and “My spouse.” The people who had once played the harlot by chasing after other gods, were now being courted again by their first love. |
| Heard in within the tradition of these Old Testament images and dreams, the writing of John today takes on a deep and powerful character that is far more significant than it might at first seem to provide. For the gospel is not about Cana, about Mary, about miracles, about water, wine, jugs, or marriage between a husband and wife. It is a “sign” story, which is technically more than a miracle story – they’re not the same. This story is not told to fill us with awe as the miracles do; but to point us in a new direction to show us that we live in a new time and a new relationship. |
| It is not the old relationship of a fearful subject before a God power, vengeance, and demanding authority; but a loving bond like marriage between people who are passionate, loving, longing for each other’s company, companionship, and presence. |
| With a wonderful and subtle shift in metaphor, Isaiah concludes his vision with a renewal of the promise that sets us up to hear this gospel with a new heart: “Your Builder shall marry you” he says.As Creator, God called us into being.As Redeemer, God saved us from the consequences of sin. As Spouse, God gives us a new name, a new identity, a new destiny.Like Israel, we know that this is almost too good to be true, more than we ever could have hoped for, or imagined.In some ways, this image of “spouse” is more exciting and promising than that of “parent”, because the spouse comes from a choice; two people freely choose to commit themselves one to the other. It is also a relationship that is creative and fruitful because out of that relationship comes life and love. |
| Given all of the possibilities of this image, these love letters we share today fill us with hope, renew our hearts, and give us reason to rejoice, because the sign tells us that as long as we remain in this marriage of faith, we have a great day coming, and one of us is determined to stay no matter what we do. |